Product Description

Combining fiction and nonfiction, this dramatic story follows the Robertson family as they prepare for Thanksgiving in the year 1841. As with all pioneer families in North America, Thanksgiving is a special day for the Robertsons, but this year, they have more reasons than usual to give thanks. Each chapter of the story is enhanced by information about the pioneer period and how Thanksgiving was celebrated in the past. Children will learn about the wild harvest, harvest superstitions and how First Peoples celebrated the harvest. The past comes alive through hands-on activities such as making a corn dolly or learning to play conkers. Historically accurate and beautifully rendered pencil illustrations make this a comprehensive resource for home or school.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #726499 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 48 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-A satisfying and well-researched blend of fact and fiction about pioneer life. In this sequel to A Pioneer Sampler (Ticknor & Fields, 1995), Greenwood and Collins again recount the adventures of the fictional Robertson family, this time as they prepare to celebrate the harvest in the fall of 1841. Three stories are interspersed among descriptions of some of the staples of a traditional Thanksgiving meal of the time, recipes for making some of the food specialties, and instructions for making and playing some of the games. The narrative is carefully crafted to make the experiences described equally valid for Canadians and for residents of the northern United States. The Native American neighbors and friends of the Robertsons are referred to as First Peoples, and the specific tribes mentioned as holding their own harvest feasts and festivals include the Iroquois and Ojibwa. The recipes and craft instructions are clear, measurements are given in both metric and U.S. Customary Units, and adult assistance is recommended where appropriate. The pencil drawings support the text and enhance its clarity. This entertaining title offers a different take on the holiday and provides solid information about the history and customs of celebrations dating back to the first North American Thanksgiving in 1578. A welcome addition to all libraries.
Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
This fine sequel to A Pioneer Story (1995) follows the Robertson family as they prepare for a celebration of the harvest of 1841. Greenwood spins a heartwarming and exciting tale of the Robertson children's adventures gathering cranberries for sauce and chestnuts for stuffing, making festival bread, and listening to stories of the "hungry year" from old Mr. Burkholder. But readers are given more than a story: the text is filled with related topics, including recipes, as well as instructions for making craft projects and playing games from the time period. There are also sections that explain actions and events from the story. For example, a segment "Harvest Superstitions" follows a chapter in the story in which Sarah Robertson sits at her ailing grandmother's bedside making a corn dolly, a braided straw doll that Granny insists must be ploughed into the earth each spring to ensure a good harvest. A history of harvest celebrations throughout the years ends the book. Beautifully rendered charcoal and sepia-toned drawings match the story's setting and provide visual instruction for the enticing crafts, games, and recipes. Lauren Peterson

From Kirkus Reviews
paper 1-55074-574-3 In an appealing amalgam of history, fiction, and crafts, Greenwood (The Last Safe House, 1998, etc.) mixes together a story about a family preparing for and celebrating Thanksgiving in 1841; recipes and graces; instructions for making a basket, corn doll, and weathervane; information about nuts and cranberries; games; and a history of the holiday, with the reasons for the celebration. Collins's drawings perfectly complement this invigorating treatment of history; children are likely to pore over this book for hours, and will want to try out the very accessible activities. This would be the perfect book to have on hand, along with materials for the crafts, for group or family use, to help while away the hours before dinner is ready. (index) (Anthology. 7-12) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

Good for reading about harvest with your children
We enjoyed reading this book together. The story is about a fictional family set in pioneer days. Each chapter is a small independent story within the larger story of the family's Thanksgiving preparations; for example one chapter tells of a daughter sneaking out to gather cranberries to make a special dish for her ailing grandmother. Almost every other page is illustrated, and there are recipes and craft ideas scattered among the chapters and at the end of the book. The only reason I didn't give the book 5 stars is that I felt the crafts should use the materials of the pioneer time where practical. For example, the corn husk dolls should be made with corn husks and not plastic lace. You're not likely to have either laying about your house, so it's not as if plastic lace is a more convenient, handy substitute. That is the only dint in this great book.